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Meta Description: Stop hackers from spying on you. Learn why a webcam cover slide is mandatory security gear in 2026 and which ones won’t crack your screen.
In 2016, a photo of Mark Zuckerberg went viral. It wasn’t because of a new Facebook feature. It was because eagle-eyed users noticed a piece of tape covering the webcam on his laptop.
He isn’t alone. Former FBI Director James Comey also admitted to covering his webcam, stating: “I put a piece of tape over the camera because I saw somebody smarter than I am had a piece of tape over his camera”.
If the CEO of Meta and the Director of the FBI are worried about webcam spying, you should be too. Today, I’ll explain why a $7 webcam cover slide is the cheapest insurance policy you will ever buy.
The Threat: “Camfecting” & RATs
Hackers use malicious software called Remote Access Trojans (RATs) to take control of your computer. Once inside, they can turn on your webcam, record video, and snap photos without you ever clicking a button.
“But the Light Will Turn On, Right?”
False. Many people believe they are safe because the little green LED light next to the camera will warn them. However, sophisticated malware and firmware hacks can disable the LED indicator while the camera is recording. The only way to be 100% sure no one is watching is to physically block the lens.
The Solution: A Webcam Cover Slide
In the old days, we used electrical tape. It worked, but it left a sticky residue and looked terrible on a professional laptop. Today, you can buy a webcam cover slide—a tiny piece of plastic or metal that adheres to your bezel.
- Slide Closed: You have absolute privacy.
- Slide Open: You are ready for your Zoom call in 1 second.
Critical Warning: Don’t Crack Your Screen
Not all covers are safe. Modern laptops (especially MacBooks) have incredibly tight tolerances between the screen and the keyboard when closed. If you buy a thick, bulky cover, you will crack your screen when you close the lid.
The Best Recommendation: CloudValley / Ultra-Thin
You need a cover that is thinner than 0.7mm (roughly the thickness of a credit card).
- The Pick: Look for “Ultra-Thin” models like the Cloud Valley or generic 0.6mm slides on Amazon.
- The Test: After installing, close your laptop gently. If you feel resistance, remove it immediately.
The Top 3 Webcam Covers for 2026
Not all covers are created equal. We tested these for thickness, adhesion, and durability.
| Model | Best For | Thickness | Check Price |
| CloudValley Ultra-Thin | Best Overall | 0.6mm (Safe) | [Check Amazon] |
| YILADOR Cover | Budget Pick | 0.7mm | [Check Amazon] |
| Eyebloc Cover | No Adhesive | Magnetic | [Check Amazon] |
How to Install a Webcam Cover (The Right Way)
Installing these tiny slides can be tricky because they are so small. If you aren’t careful, you might stick it over the actual lens or the light sensor.
- Clean the Bezel: Use a microfiber cloth and a drop of isopropyl alcohol to clean the area around your webcam. If it’s oily from fingerprints, the adhesive won’t stick.
- Do Not Remove the Backing Yet: Place the cover over the camera (dry fit) to see exactly where it fits. Make sure it doesn’t block the ambient light sensor (usually a tiny dot next to the camera).
- Peel and Hover: Remove the adhesive backing. Hover the cover over the lens. Center the hole of the cover perfectly over the eye of the camera.
- Press and Hold: Gently press down for 10-15 seconds. This bonds the 3M adhesive to the plastic bezel.
- Wait: Let it cure for 1 hour before sliding it back and forth excessively.
Conclusion
We spend hundreds of dollars on antivirus software and firewalls, but we often ignore the “digital eye” staring at us all day. A webcam cover slide costs less than a sandwich. It effectively blinds hackers, preventing blackmail and invasion of privacy.
It is simple, analog protection for a digital world.
Now that your PC is physically secure, make sure your digital identity is locked down too. Read my guide on How to Log Into Windows with a YubiKey